We are travelling to Europe in August - stopping in Amsterdam for one night. We want to stay somewhere centrally located, for up to $100 American, in a decent area. We plan to do a canal trip, Anne Frank house, check out the coffee houses and the red light district, and a nice restaurant for dinner and drinks. Any thoughts? Many thanks!

<BR>The Hotel St. Nicolaas is in a good location. It's nothing fancy, but when we stayed there 3 years ago it was cheap and clean. <BR> <BR>It's across from our favorite Argentinian steak house.

If you want something a bit more like what a U.S. hotel would be, the Jolly Carlton is a good choice in in your price range (at least it was when I stayed there 2 weeks ago). It is close to the museum district, Anne Frank House, Damark Square, and very nice. <BR>I also stayed at the Spinx Hotel which is a small, family run place that is also very close to the museum district. It was considerably less money (U.S. $50 per night for a double) but not at all luxurious.

Is the museum distric the place to be? Within walking distance to the places mentioned above? I've done lots of research but it's hard to tell where the best place to stay is... <BR> <BR>We don't really care too much about "cheap," rather in a nice, convenient area.

<BR>If $$$ aren't a major concern, then you might look into the Crowne Plaza, Rennaisance Inn or Hotel Victoria. All three are in the central tourist area. <BR> <BR>Personally, I wouldn't stay in the museum area because I find it's always a long walk or trolley ride to anything _but_ the museums, of course.

my advice is to book somewhere FAST!! <BR>The 'dam is very popular in August. <BR> <BR>P.S. May i recommend the Grey Area Coffeeshop? As your from the States this place is run by two Americans, do american weed deals, and is VERY freindly. <BR> <BR>Have a good time Kate!!

Does anyone know anything about the Amsterdam-American Forum Hotel? I heard it was bought by Crowne Plaza? I have reservations there for Septemeber.

Scurry, what is the "central tourist area"? Is it Dam Square??

Katie.. <BR> <BR>I agree with the post that advises making reservations right away. We loved the Hotel Washington, in the museum district. You can get the details from the Rants and Raves section of the Fodors Site. <BR>Have a Great time!

<BR>It's the Scurry-named area bounded by Centraal (train) station at the top, the red light district on one side, the Dam square on the bottom and roughly the singel canal on the other side. It may have a proper name, but I have never heard it. <BR> <BR>I am not implying that it includes anywhere near everything a tourist would want to see -- such as the Anne Frank House, Museums, Leidsplein or Heineken brewery -- but it does include the bulk of the tourist-oriented souvenir shops, coffeeshops, sex shops and many hotels. It is an area easily walkable to & from the train station. Any other area, in my opinion, would need a taxi, bus or trolley. <BR> <BR>I agree that you should get a reservation soon -- especially if the night that you are going to spend there is a Friday or Saturday night.

I would also like info on a decent hotel with rooms for $100 or less, with convenient access to public transportation. I'm arriving on Saturday. Any suggestions? What has anyone heard about the Amstel Botel?

<BR>Our Frommer's book had OK things to say about the budget botel. We tried to stay there, but it was booked. <BR> <BR>I hate to sound meladramatic, but you should REALLY take anything you can find before you leave, because almost every hotel was booked when we arrived in Amsterdam on the last Thursday of May. We got the very last room at the Crowne Plaza.

We loved the AMS Hotel Terdam near Vondelpark. On a quiet side street within easy walking distance of the circle tram which will take you all through the city. This is not a fancy hotel, but clean, quiet and friendly. Good breakfast selection in the morning. Also walking distance to canal tour, easy tram ride to Anne Frank house, VanGogh museum and much more. Loved Amsterdam, have a great time.

Stayed at Hotel Asterisk two years ago near the Heineken Brewery and the Rijksmuseum. Marvelous breakfast bar could keep you going all day. Should be in that price range, but we booked a package from England. My daughter and I walked to the Anne Frank house and the central district, but you could pop on a tram or canal boat.